22 Aug 2026, 09:05Naomi Champandaሀዋሳ / Hawassa, Sidama, Ethiopia
Angaza West Drum Corps Takes Pathfinder Mission to Ethiopia
Ethiopia Mission Trip Report 2026
Angaza West Drum Corps Hawassa, Ethiopia | 5–12 August 2026
1. Camporee Theme
“Speak, Lord”
The Pathfinder Camporee in Hawassa was held under the theme “Speak, Lord,” drawn from the childhood experience of Samuel, as recorded in 1 Samuel 3.
The theme reflects the moment when the young Samuel heard God calling him during the night. Initially, Samuel did not recognise that it was the Lord speaking and went to Eli, the high priest, believing that Eli had called him. After this happened several times, Eli realised that God was calling the young boy and instructed him to respond:
“Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.”
— 1 Samuel 3:9
The story provided a meaningful spiritual foundation for the camporee, particularly for young people. It encouraged the Pathfinders to develop a listening heart, to recognise God's voice, and to become willing to respond to His call.
2. Keynote Speaker
The keynote speaker for the camporee was Dr Darlington Onditi, who contributed to the spiritual emphasis of the event through his ministry and presentations.
His contribution helped bring the camporee theme to life, encouraging the young people to consider what it means to listen to God, recognise His leading, and respond faithfully to His calling.
The story of Samuel was particularly relevant to the young people because it reminded them that God can speak to and work through them regardless of their age. The experience encouraged the Pathfinders to cultivate a personal relationship with God and remain attentive to His voice.
3. Introduction
From 5–12 August 2026, the Angaza West (AW) Drum Corps travelled to Hawassa, Ethiopia, to participate in a Pathfinder Camporee held from 7–11 August 2026.
The camporee, themed “Speak, Lord,” was a spiritually enriching gathering centred on the importance of listening to God and responding to His call. The theme was inspired by the childhood experience of Samuel with Eli, the high priest, as recorded in 1 Samuel 3. The keynote ministry was led by Dr Darlington Onditi.
The Angaza West Drum Corps contributed to the camporee through its drumming ministry, while also taking part in cultural exchange, fellowship, teaching, learning, sport, and community engagement.
The trip was a valuable and memorable experience for everyone involved. It provided the young people with an opportunity to share their knowledge and skills with others while encouraging greater interest and participation in Pathfinder Drum Corps ministry. It was particularly rewarding to witness the enthusiasm and willingness of the Ethiopian Pathfinders to learn and participate.
4. Journey to Ethiopia
The journey began on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, when 24 Drum Corps members and 11 adults departed from Heathrow Airport for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, travelling via Egypt.
Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, the group spent one night before continuing the journey by road to Hawassa. The approximately six-hour bus journey provided another opportunity for the group to experience the Ethiopian landscape and culture before arriving at the camporee location.
Throughout the journey, the members experienced the warmth of Ethiopian hospitality and culture. Travelling and staying together also strengthened friendships among the young people and created memories that will remain with them for many years.
5. Ministry Through Music and Drumming
One of the first opportunities for the Angaza West Drum Corps to serve was during the opening ceremony of the camporee. The corps contributed to the ceremony through a drum performance, helping to set an energetic and celebratory tone for the event.
Throughout the camporee, the Drum Corps continued to use music and drumming as a means of ministry. Their performances provided an opportunity to witness to the wider Pathfinder community and demonstrate how musical talents can be used in service to God.
The theme “Speak, Lord” also provided a meaningful connection to the corps' ministry. While the camporee encouraged the young people to listen for God's voice, the Drum Corps was able to respond by using its own God-given talents to communicate a message of faith, discipline, unity, and service.
The corps demonstrated that drumming is more than simply entertainment or performance. Through discipline, teamwork, precision, commitment, and enthusiasm, the young people demonstrated important Pathfinder values while sharing their talents with others.
6. The 7-Kilometre Hawassa Parade
A major highlight of the camporee was the opportunity for the Angaza West Drum Corps to participate in a 7-kilometre parade through Hawassa.
The parade was an exciting and demanding experience. It allowed the corps to represent the Pathfinder movement through music, discipline, teamwork, and enthusiasm while interacting with the local community.
As the corps marched through Hawassa, their performance attracted attention and created a positive connection between the Pathfinders and the wider community.
The experience demonstrated the power of music to communicate across cultural and language barriers and showed how the Pathfinder movement can positively engage with the wider community.
7. Drumming and Drilling Workshops
Another important aspect of the visit was the opportunity to conduct drumming and drilling workshops for individuals interested in learning these skills.
Members of Angaza West were able to share their knowledge, experience, and techniques with the Ethiopian participants. The workshops provided practical opportunities for young people to participate, learn, and develop new skills.
It was particularly encouraging to see the interest and enthusiasm of those who took part. The experience created an opportunity for the AW Drum Corps to encourage young people in Ethiopia to consider becoming involved in Pathfinder Drum Corps ministry.
The workshops also demonstrated the importance of sharing skills across countries and cultures. What began as a mission trip became an opportunity for mutual learning, with both sides gaining from the experience.
8. Football: Fellowship Beyond Music
The trip also included a friendly football match between the Angaza West Drum Corps and an Ethiopian team.
The match provided a relaxed environment for cultural exchange, friendly competition, laughter, and fellowship.
While the result of the game was less important than the experience itself, the event helped strengthen relationships between young people from the two countries.
The football match demonstrated once again that Pathfinder ministry can bring young people together through shared interests and values, even when they come from very different cultural backgrounds.
9. Visit to Amora Gedel Park
One of the memorable recreational experiences during the trip was a visit to Amora Gedel Park, a beautiful area situated beside Lake Hawassa.
The visit gave the corps an opportunity to step away from the busy camporee programme, relax, explore the surroundings, and appreciate the beauty of God's creation.
The young people were able to observe a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, hyenas, and pelicans.
The experience provided an enjoyable opportunity for the group to appreciate the natural environment while spending time together outside the formal camporee activities.
10. Cultural Awareness and Understanding
Beyond the performances, workshops, and recreational activities, the trip gave the young people an important opportunity to experience life in another country and to gain a deeper understanding of the circumstances faced by their Pathfinder counterparts.
The Pathfinder Camporee was hosted at an Adventist school in Hawassa, which also serves as a place of education for some of the Ethiopian Pathfinder participants.
During their stay at the camporee, the Angaza West members observed that the school's sanitation facilities were inadequate and that some of the toilets were not properly functional.
Experiencing these conditions first-hand gave the young people a greater appreciation of the differences in living and educational environments between the United Kingdom and Ethiopia.
It also helped them recognise that their Pathfinder counterparts may face challenges that are very different from those they experience at home.
Rather than simply observing these challenges, the experience encouraged the young people to think about how they could respond with compassion and practical Christian service.
It reinforced the understanding that mission is not only about travelling to another country to perform, teach, or participate in a programme, but also about seeing genuine needs and being willing to make a positive difference.
Supporting Improved Sanitation
Following the experience at the camporee, an opportunity has arisen to support a campaign to improve the sanitation facilities at the school by providing proper, functional, flushable toilets.
Those who would like to support this initiative are warmly invited to contribute.
Generous donations can help improve the sanitation facilities used by the students and Pathfinder participants, contributing to their health, dignity, safety, and wellbeing.
For the Angaza West Drum Corps, this has become an important part of the legacy of the Ethiopia Mission Trip 2026.
The hope is that the visit will not only be remembered for the music, parade, workshops, fellowship, and friendships created, but also for identifying a genuine need and responding to it through practical Christian service.
11. Return to England
The Angaza West Drum Corps returned to England on 12 August 2026, bringing with them many new memories, strengthened friendships, and a deeper appreciation for the worldwide Pathfinder family.
The journey had challenged and enriched the young people in many ways. They had travelled, performed, taught, learned, played, worshipped, served, and formed friendships with people from another country.
Most importantly, they returned with a greater understanding that their talents can be used to serve God and make a positive difference in the lives of others.
12. Appreciation
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the South England Conference Pathfinder Department, the Angaza West leaders, parents, supporters, and everyone who contributed in any way to making this mission trip possible.
We are also grateful for the leadership and ministry provided during the camporee, including the contribution of Dr Darlington Onditi, whose keynote ministry helped reinforce the spiritual message of “Speak, Lord.”
A trip of this nature requires considerable planning, commitment, financial support, prayer, and sacrifice. The success of the journey would not have been possible without the collective support of many people.
We are especially grateful to everyone who invested in the young people and enabled them to experience this unique international Pathfinder opportunity.
13. Conclusion
The Hawassa Camporee 2026, under the theme “Speak, Lord,” was a highly meaningful and memorable experience for the Angaza West Drum Corps.
The story of Samuel's childhood encounter with God, and Eli's guidance in helping him recognise the divine call, provided a powerful reminder to the young people that God still speaks and calls people to serve Him.
The trip demonstrated that Pathfinder ministry extends far beyond activities within a local church or community. It can build bridges between nations and cultures through faith, music, sport, service, discipline, and fellowship.
For the members of Angaza West, the experience has encouraged them to continue developing their musical and leadership skills and to use their talents in service to God and others.
The trip provided opportunities to serve, perform, teach, learn, worship, fellowship, and build international friendships. It also opened the eyes of the young people to the realities and challenges faced by others, encouraging a greater sense of compassion and responsibility.
Perhaps one of the most important lessons from the journey is that ministry is not only about what we take with us, but also about what we leave behind.
Through their drums, discipline, enthusiasm, and willingness to serve, the young people of Angaza West became ambassadors of Pathfinder ministry and demonstrated that young people from different nations can come together with a common purpose.
The experience also reminded them that God's call can come in many forms. Like Samuel, they are encouraged to listen, recognise God's voice, and respond with willingness:
“Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.”
— 1 Samuel 3:9
The Ethiopia Mission Trip 2026 will therefore be remembered not simply as a journey to a camporee, but as an experience that strengthened faith, developed character, built friendships, broadened understanding, and inspired a greater commitment to service.
It was a journey in which the young people had the opportunity to listen, serve, share, learn, and grow—and, through their talents and actions, to become a blessing to others.
Ethiopia Mission Trip Report 2026
Angaza West Drum Corps Hawassa, Ethiopia | 5–12 August 2026
1. Camporee Theme
“Speak, Lord”
The Pathfinder Camporee in Hawassa was held under the theme “Speak, Lord,” drawn from the childhood experience of Samuel, as recorded in 1 Samuel 3.
The theme reflects the moment when the young Samuel heard God calling him during the night. Initially, Samuel did not recognise that it was the Lord speaking and went to Eli, the high priest, believing that Eli had called him. After this happened several times, Eli realised that God was calling the young boy and instructed him to respond:
“Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.”
— 1 Samuel 3:9
The story provided a meaningful spiritual foundation for the camporee, particularly for young people. It encouraged the Pathfinders to develop a listening heart, to recognise God's voice, and to become willing to respond to His call.
2. Keynote Speaker
The keynote speaker for the camporee was Dr Darlington Onditi, who contributed to the spiritual emphasis of the event through his ministry and presentations.
His contribution helped bring the camporee theme to life, encouraging the young people to consider what it means to listen to God, recognise His leading, and respond faithfully to His calling.
The story of Samuel was particularly relevant to the young people because it reminded them that God can speak to and work through them regardless of their age. The experience encouraged the Pathfinders to cultivate a personal relationship with God and remain attentive to His voice.
3. Introduction
From 5–12 August 2026, the Angaza West (AW) Drum Corps travelled to Hawassa, Ethiopia, to participate in a Pathfinder Camporee held from 7–11 August 2026.
The camporee, themed “Speak, Lord,” was a spiritually enriching gathering centred on the importance of listening to God and responding to His call. The theme was inspired by the childhood experience of Samuel with Eli, the high priest, as recorded in 1 Samuel 3. The keynote ministry was led by Dr Darlington Onditi.
The Angaza West Drum Corps contributed to the camporee through its drumming ministry, while also taking part in cultural exchange, fellowship, teaching, learning, sport, and community engagement.
The trip was a valuable and memorable experience for everyone involved. It provided the young people with an opportunity to share their knowledge and skills with others while encouraging greater interest and participation in Pathfinder Drum Corps ministry. It was particularly rewarding to witness the enthusiasm and willingness of the Ethiopian Pathfinders to learn and participate.
4. Journey to Ethiopia
The journey began on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, when 24 Drum Corps members and 11 adults departed from Heathrow Airport for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, travelling via Egypt.
Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, the group spent one night before continuing the journey by road to Hawassa. The approximately six-hour bus journey provided another opportunity for the group to experience the Ethiopian landscape and culture before arriving at the camporee location.
Throughout the journey, the members experienced the warmth of Ethiopian hospitality and culture. Travelling and staying together also strengthened friendships among the young people and created memories that will remain with them for many years.
5. Ministry Through Music and Drumming
One of the first opportunities for the Angaza West Drum Corps to serve was during the opening ceremony of the camporee. The corps contributed to the ceremony through a drum performance, helping to set an energetic and celebratory tone for the event.
Throughout the camporee, the Drum Corps continued to use music and drumming as a means of ministry. Their performances provided an opportunity to witness to the wider Pathfinder community and demonstrate how musical talents can be used in service to God.
The theme “Speak, Lord” also provided a meaningful connection to the corps' ministry. While the camporee encouraged the young people to listen for God's voice, the Drum Corps was able to respond by using its own God-given talents to communicate a message of faith, discipline, unity, and service.
The corps demonstrated that drumming is more than simply entertainment or performance. Through discipline, teamwork, precision, commitment, and enthusiasm, the young people demonstrated important Pathfinder values while sharing their talents with others.
6. The 7-Kilometre Hawassa Parade
A major highlight of the camporee was the opportunity for the Angaza West Drum Corps to participate in a 7-kilometre parade through Hawassa.
The parade was an exciting and demanding experience. It allowed the corps to represent the Pathfinder movement through music, discipline, teamwork, and enthusiasm while interacting with the local community.
As the corps marched through Hawassa, their performance attracted attention and created a positive connection between the Pathfinders and the wider community.
The experience demonstrated the power of music to communicate across cultural and language barriers and showed how the Pathfinder movement can positively engage with the wider community.
7. Drumming and Drilling Workshops
Another important aspect of the visit was the opportunity to conduct drumming and drilling workshops for individuals interested in learning these skills.
Members of Angaza West were able to share their knowledge, experience, and techniques with the Ethiopian participants. The workshops provided practical opportunities for young people to participate, learn, and develop new skills.
It was particularly encouraging to see the interest and enthusiasm of those who took part. The experience created an opportunity for the AW Drum Corps to encourage young people in Ethiopia to consider becoming involved in Pathfinder Drum Corps ministry.
The workshops also demonstrated the importance of sharing skills across countries and cultures. What began as a mission trip became an opportunity for mutual learning, with both sides gaining from the experience.
8. Football: Fellowship Beyond Music
The trip also included a friendly football match between the Angaza West Drum Corps and an Ethiopian team.
The match provided a relaxed environment for cultural exchange, friendly competition, laughter, and fellowship.
While the result of the game was less important than the experience itself, the event helped strengthen relationships between young people from the two countries.
The football match demonstrated once again that Pathfinder ministry can bring young people together through shared interests and values, even when they come from very different cultural backgrounds.
9. Visit to Amora Gedel Park
One of the memorable recreational experiences during the trip was a visit to Amora Gedel Park, a beautiful area situated beside Lake Hawassa.
The visit gave the corps an opportunity to step away from the busy camporee programme, relax, explore the surroundings, and appreciate the beauty of God's creation.
The young people were able to observe a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, hyenas, and pelicans.
The experience provided an enjoyable opportunity for the group to appreciate the natural environment while spending time together outside the formal camporee activities.
10. Cultural Awareness and Understanding
Beyond the performances, workshops, and recreational activities, the trip gave the young people an important opportunity to experience life in another country and to gain a deeper understanding of the circumstances faced by their Pathfinder counterparts.
The Pathfinder Camporee was hosted at an Adventist school in Hawassa, which also serves as a place of education for some of the Ethiopian Pathfinder participants.
During their stay at the camporee, the Angaza West members observed that the school's sanitation facilities were inadequate and that some of the toilets were not properly functional.
Experiencing these conditions first-hand gave the young people a greater appreciation of the differences in living and educational environments between the United Kingdom and Ethiopia.
It also helped them recognise that their Pathfinder counterparts may face challenges that are very different from those they experience at home.
Rather than simply observing these challenges, the experience encouraged the young people to think about how they could respond with compassion and practical Christian service.
It reinforced the understanding that mission is not only about travelling to another country to perform, teach, or participate in a programme, but also about seeing genuine needs and being willing to make a positive difference.
Supporting Improved Sanitation
Following the experience at the camporee, an opportunity has arisen to support a campaign to improve the sanitation facilities at the school by providing proper, functional, flushable toilets.
Those who would like to support this initiative are warmly invited to contribute.
Generous donations can help improve the sanitation facilities used by the students and Pathfinder participants, contributing to their health, dignity, safety, and wellbeing.
For the Angaza West Drum Corps, this has become an important part of the legacy of the Ethiopia Mission Trip 2026.
The hope is that the visit will not only be remembered for the music, parade, workshops, fellowship, and friendships created, but also for identifying a genuine need and responding to it through practical Christian service.
11. Return to England
The Angaza West Drum Corps returned to England on 12 August 2026, bringing with them many new memories, strengthened friendships, and a deeper appreciation for the worldwide Pathfinder family.
The journey had challenged and enriched the young people in many ways. They had travelled, performed, taught, learned, played, worshipped, served, and formed friendships with people from another country.
Most importantly, they returned with a greater understanding that their talents can be used to serve God and make a positive difference in the lives of others.
12. Appreciation
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the South England Conference Pathfinder Department, the Angaza West leaders, parents, supporters, and everyone who contributed in any way to making this mission trip possible.
We are also grateful for the leadership and ministry provided during the camporee, including the contribution of Dr Darlington Onditi, whose keynote ministry helped reinforce the spiritual message of “Speak, Lord.”
A trip of this nature requires considerable planning, commitment, financial support, prayer, and sacrifice. The success of the journey would not have been possible without the collective support of many people.
We are especially grateful to everyone who invested in the young people and enabled them to experience this unique international Pathfinder opportunity.
13. Conclusion
The Hawassa Camporee 2026, under the theme “Speak, Lord,” was a highly meaningful and memorable experience for the Angaza West Drum Corps.
The story of Samuel's childhood encounter with God, and Eli's guidance in helping him recognise the divine call, provided a powerful reminder to the young people that God still speaks and calls people to serve Him.
The trip demonstrated that Pathfinder ministry extends far beyond activities within a local church or community. It can build bridges between nations and cultures through faith, music, sport, service, discipline, and fellowship.
For the members of Angaza West, the experience has encouraged them to continue developing their musical and leadership skills and to use their talents in service to God and others.
The trip provided opportunities to serve, perform, teach, learn, worship, fellowship, and build international friendships. It also opened the eyes of the young people to the realities and challenges faced by others, encouraging a greater sense of compassion and responsibility.
Perhaps one of the most important lessons from the journey is that ministry is not only about what we take with us, but also about what we leave behind.
Through their drums, discipline, enthusiasm, and willingness to serve, the young people of Angaza West became ambassadors of Pathfinder ministry and demonstrated that young people from different nations can come together with a common purpose.
The experience also reminded them that God's call can come in many forms. Like Samuel, they are encouraged to listen, recognise God's voice, and respond with willingness:
“Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.”
— 1 Samuel 3:9
The Ethiopia Mission Trip 2026 will therefore be remembered not simply as a journey to a camporee, but as an experience that strengthened faith, developed character, built friendships, broadened understanding, and inspired a greater commitment to service.
It was a journey in which the young people had the opportunity to listen, serve, share, learn, and grow—and, through their talents and actions, to become a blessing to others.
